The volunteers behind Ballykeel Together Development Association’s youth club
Christmas has come early for community organisations in the Ballymena area as they receive a share of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The news comes as part of an announcement of £6million to 157 groups across Northern Ireland this holiday period.
The National Lottery funding is being used to run festive celebrations as well as bringing isolated people together to make connections, and support people with activities to improve their mental and physical health over the coming years.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Ballykeel Together Development Association.
They are using a £3,100 grant to run a tailored youth club for children and young people with Autism or additional needs, to make friends and for parents/carers to make connections and reduce stress.
Brian Alexander, Treasurer of Ballykeel Together Development Association said:
“We are just a small community group trying to create a little haven where children can come in, run around, and be themselves. The parents can stay with their kids and socialise with other parents, or they can run a few errands knowing we are there to support them.
“We’re very grateful for the funding from The National Lottery Community Fund as it is helping us to pay rent for the year so we can keep running the club. Part of the funding is also for a tailored Christmas celebration for the children. It will be low key but there will be something for every child to enjoy.”
EJ Mooney, Paul Turner, AJ Mooney and Jamie Millar at Ballykeel Together Development Association’s youth club
Bann Maine West in Cullybackey received a £10,000 grant to bring older people together for activities, to reduce rural isolation and provide an opportunity to access advice and services. Activities include a lunch and learn club, skills workshops, men's breakfast club and technology club.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including the Ballymena RUC Association. They are using a £10,000 grant to run respite social events and publish a newsletter. The project will keep members informed and bring them together to reduce isolation and improve their self-esteem.
Cullybackey Community Partnership is using a £10,000 grant to run skills building workshops and events to improve community spirit. The project includes a Christmas celebration with music from the two local school choirs, and a family fun day in the summer.
Also receiving funding is the Carnlough Women’s Institute. They are using a £7,800 grant to run a weekly drop-in centre at Ardclinis Parish Hall for local older people to reconnect and feel part of the community. The project will include day trips, crafts, bingo, music workshops, storytelling, and live music sessions.
D3MAC, which is based in Ballymena, has also been awarded a £10,000 grant to run family events to bring the local community together and strengthen relationships. The project includes fun days, a Christmas fair, a colour run and mental health awareness campaign.
The Ballymena Club for the Hard of Hearing is using a £3,631 grant to run lipreading classes to for people with hearing impairments to improve their communication and reduce loneliness and isolation. The project will also buy a new portable hearing loop system.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. These projects are improving the lives of people in their communities, especially during the winter period where many people need additional wellbeing support or help to take part in festive celebrations.
“We recently launched our new funding strategy up to 2030 which will ensure National Lottery money continues to make a difference to communities across Northern Ireland. We look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in 2024 and beyond.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit: